Lanzini's corner was nodded clear and Salah sprung into life. His pass released Mane and the two speedsters burst over halfway.

The Hammers were exposed and with Oxlade-Chamberlain also in support it was three against one.

Mane showed great composure, biding his time before putting it on a plate for Salah, who took a touch to steady himself and slotted past Joe Hart.

It was a blistering counter-attack and Liverpool swiftly doubled their account.

Salah's corner was inadvertently diverted goalwards by Mark Noble. Hart reacted smartly to keep it out but Matip was on hand to convert from close range.

Joel Matip celebrates during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool had struck twice in the space of three minutes and the rest of the first half was a cakewalk for Klopp's side. The sombre mood inside the London Stadium turned increasingly angry. Not only was there a gulf in class but also in attitude and application.

Bilic reacted to the cacophony of boos by bringing on Andy Carroll for the second half. The former Reds striker didn't waste any time making his presence felt as he slammed a forearm into Can's face.

West Ham rallied and 10 minutes after the restart they halved the deficit. Joe Gomez misjudged Ayew's cross and Lanzini made him pay, firing in off the inside of the post.

The home fans sensed that all was not lost but within 55 seconds that glimmer of hope was wrestled away as Liverpool summoned the perfect response.

Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United scores his side's first goal (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Reds' third goal was all about the brilliance of Firmino. His first touch was sublime as he turned away from Reid and raced goalwards. It was Suarez-esque.

After the skill and the show of strength came the vision as he picked out Oxlade-Chamberlain. Hart kept out the initial strike but £35million man tucked the rebound into the roof of the net.

This was one of those nights when Liverpool's potency at one end comfortably masked their issues at the other. Lanzini should have put the contest back in the melting pot but blazed over when well placed.